The new policy, adopted by the executive officers this spring, went into effect Aug. 1 and meets a strategic initiative outlined in the 2005-06 Vision of Distinction, the university's goal-setting document.

A task force composed of faculty, staff and students reviewed relevant tobacco-use policies and recommended revising the smoking policy to limit second-hand smoke inhalation at Winthrop.The group also conducted a survey among resident students and provided discussion and online forum opportunities.

The survey found that 88 percent of respondents believed that the entire campus, or just the buildings, should be completely smoke-free and 67 percent responded they are frequently to occasionally bothered by cigarette smoke at Winthrop. View the survey results online.

At events held at Winthrop by outside groups, those in charge of the event will be responsible for policy compliance.

For more information, contact Frank Ardaiolo, vice president for student life, at 803/323-2251.